Antibacterial Activity of Basil Leaves (Extract, Chloroform Fraction, and N-Hexane Fraction) against Staphylococcus Aureus and Eschericia Coli

Abstract

Basil (Ocimum citriodorumVis.) is a plant which is their leaves are commonly eaten as fresh vegetables and have many benefits. Basil leaves contain secondary metabolite compounds that have antibacterial activity such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and steroids. The purpose of this study was to known the antibacterial activity of some fractions of basil leaves against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and see which fraction was more active. This research included extraction by maceration method using ethanol 96%, then ethanol extract was fractionated using n-hexane and chloroform, phytochemical screening, then tested for antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus by used agar diffusion method. Phytochemical screening showed ethanol extractcontained alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and steroids; chloroform fraction contained alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins; and n-hexane fraction contained steroids. The results of the antibacterial activity test showed ethanol extract and chloroform fraction had antibacterial activity. Meanwhile, the n-hexane fraction did not have antibacterial activity. The concentration of 500 mg/ml of chloroform fraction and ethanol extract on S. aureus resulted from an inhibition zone around 24.67-26.90 mm. Furthermore, E. coli produced 22.67-23.84 mm. Ethanol extract had higher antibacterial activity than the chloroform fraction against E. coli and S. aureus